5. Series Actors
Ok, a group of rather than single author, but each is more than worthy of being on this list. While many actors chose to expand upon acting by directing episodes of their (and some of the other) series, Armin Shimerman, Andrew J. Robinson, and J.G. Hertzler each wrote novels based on their Deep Space Nine characters, Quark, Garak, and Martok respectively. Initially pitched as an episode of the series, The 34th Rule was adapted into a novel by Shimerman and David R. George III, and dealt with various issues that the series, although well known for its social commentary, didn't. Despite often being humourous, it deals with the darker side of Star Trek's 'utopian' future, tackling issues such as racism (several Ferengi characters portrayed by Shimerman are remarked upon in a "they all look the same" way), and internment camps. As such it is often considered to be one of the best Star Trek novels ever published. When the series ended however, Robinson and Hertzler decided to continue their characters' legacies, albeit in different ways. Having portrayed the enigmatic ex-spy turned tailor Garak for the past seven years, Robinson wrote A Stitch In Time. Alongside a sketch of post-war Cardassia, it is essentially an autobiography, written in character. As one long letter to Doctor Bashir, it depicts Garak's earlier life from training at the illusive Bamarren Institute, to those missions for the Obsidian Order so often hinted at but never revealed. Hertzler looked forward however, and alongside Jeffrey Lang wrote The Left Hand of Destiny, a two part story which saw Martok deal with armed uprisings and the return of the Klingons' greatest enemy upon his return to Qo'nos.